For some, the evening of February 14 is synonymous with elaborate romantic festivities, while for others it is the occasion to celebrate familial love through the laughter of children, or among friends around a comforting meal. But however you celebrate this day of love, the team of Montréal’s Public Markets suggests some simple little ideas for a successful Valentine’s Evening.

For a Romantic Valentine’s Evening

Get out your cutting boards and your knives! You won’t need your oven to make this amazing tuna and apple tartare recipe created by our Cupid of the day, La Fille du 3e!. Just head over to your favourite public market to pick up fresh products at the fishmongers and you’ll be ready to go.

The florists in your markets can help you pick the perfect bouquet of flowers or a succulent to “Instagram” for your romantic evening. Stéphanie, owner and florist at La Blandinerie of Maisonneuve Market, has a thousand and one ideas that will please your sweetheart for St. Valentine’s Day, such as a magnificent bouquet of tulips to provide a dose of spring warmth in the depths of winter. Stéphanie suggests not combining red and white, and instead, to be more original by mixing red with pink, fuchsia, orange or peach. Unleash your creativity!

Photo Credit: La Blandinerie

To end the evening on a high note, take a break from the kitchen for the dessert and treat yourself to delicious chocolates from Chocolats Privilège, at the Jean Talon and Atwater markets, or delicious sweets that you can find at many shops in the various markets.

To end the evening on a high note, take a break from the kitchen for the dessert and treat yourself to delicious chocolates from Chocolats Privilège, at the Jean Talon and Atwater markets, or delicious sweets that you can find at many shops in the various markets.

For a Family-Friendly Valentine’s Evening

Are you going to spend the evening of Valentine’s Day with your family? Here’s our suggestion: after work, take the children to the market closest to you and choose the ingredients for your supper. And above all, don’t forget to stop off at one of the pastry shops in your favourite market to choose a decadent dessert that will please young and old.

For Valentine’s Evening Among Friends

Finally, if you are spending the evening with one or more friends, our team suggests a hors d’oeuvre-type menu that will give you more time to chat. Visit butcher shops, delicatessens, cheese shops and gourmet shops in the public market closest to you and create a delicious meal out of local products, with your friends.

And finally, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t have a big bowl of sorbet for dessert! Lucky for you, blood orange sorbet is now available at Havre aux Glaces, in addition to delicious Valentine’s Day chocolate and raspberry cakes.

On behalf of all of your merchants, happy Valentine’s Day!